Reptile Compact Fluorescent

May 24th, 2010 | Published in Reptiles

Reptile Compact Fluorescent
I'm wondering, on ATP webpage, I can't make out what he's saying about the lighting...?

Do you need a florescent light, and a basking light? Or just a basking light. And do the bulbs like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-ReptiSun-Compact-Fluorescent-Lamp/dp/B00061V4PI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1202495329&sr=8-1

Fit into a lamp like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Economy-Clamp-Lamp-Reptiles/dp/B0002DIWUU/ref=pd_sim_hg?ie=UTF8&qid=1202495329&sr=8-1

Thanks for the help, I'm just a little confused. Hopefully I can get this all straightened out and then pick up my turtle.

The two lights you are talking about are not the same thing, so you do need both.

The fluorescent bulb emits UVB light that helps to digest and absorb calcium through the production of vitamin D3. UVB light is naturally found outside in sunlight. The basking bulb is to produce necessary heat to help with basic digestion and physical mobility. Turtles are cold blooded and derive all of their heat from their environment, this heat fuels their metabolism as well as their energy. The combination of the two lights simulate the natural light emitted from the sun. I use a fluorescent light fixture that is long and flat so that I can put the basking bulb over it and have both of them hitting the same spot.

Please consider consulting a different source, the light you have chosen is not your best choice. Herpcenter is a site that will allow you to ask in an open forum that will allow you to converse with experienced keepers that will help you to avoid the headaches that many new keepers experience.

Good Luck